Kew Apprenticeship in Botanical Horticulture

Download and complete the application forms to apply for an Apprenticeship, which is ideal for individuals with limited practical horticultural experience or newly qualified horticulturists requiring additional practical experience to further their careers.

Application process

Apprentices require a good standard of education - 2 GCSEs (or equivalent) including English, Mathematics or a Science. Apprentices must be eligible to work in the United Kingdom for which there is a salary of £12,333.00 per annum with a one off book and equipment payment of £725.00 (rates current 2013). Limited opportunities also exist to care for the collections at weekends and these receive additional payment. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew welcomes international applicants, as we firmly believe in this ethos. However Kew is unable to sponsor applicants to work in the United Kingdom for the Kew Apprenticeship. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure eligibility to work in the United Kingdom for the duration of the appointment; see United Kingdom Border Agency for the latest regulations. All successful applicants called to interview will be required to provide documentary evidence of their right to work in the United Kingdom at interview. The practical training is a non-accredited qualification backed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, with the RHS Certificate Level 2 which is accredited. Four employed apprentices are recruited per year, making up 12 in total.

Dates

Completed application forms, together with an essay of 250-500 words describing why you wish to undertake the Kew Apprenticeship, should be returned no later than 28 February in the year of recruitment. Interviews are scheduled for late March/ early April, with the Apprenticeship starting the first Monday in August.

Duration

This is a three-year fixed term appointment (employment). Apprentices receive 30 days leave in addition to day release to attend college.

Response

We will only contact those candidates selected for interview. Therefore, if you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, you should presume that you will not be called for interview.

How to apply

Download and complete an application pack (pdf) or download each form individually from the list below. Make sure you read all of the documents before completing your application.